Wanda Kay (Johnston) Rasmussen, age 64, was born in Miles City, Montana, on March 23, 1954, to Frank and Emma Johnston. She passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2018, with her family by her side.
Wanda was the second of seven children and while the other kids were sneaking out, Wanda would stay home and often squeal on her siblings for their wrong doing. Wanda was an active member of the Girl Scouts, from a Brownie in her youth and on up to a leader as an adult. She always had a love for music. She would often have gatherings where she would play numerous instruments such as the piano, clarinet, flute, accordion, and saxophone. Wanda graduated from Custer County High School and attended classes at Miles Community College towards her Nursing degree. She worked at Friendship Villa Nursing Home in Miles City as a Nurses Aide and Physical Therapy Aide for quite a few years and then as a Dispatcher at Miles City Cab for years after that.
In 1976, she was swept off her feet by a significantly older gentleman, Lloyd “Bud” Rasmussen. They dated for three years and on May 29, 1979 he asked her to move in with him to a little house in Miles City. Bud and Wanda lived together for sixteen years. In 1989 they moved from Miles City to Dagmar, MT, living on the Christiansen Farm to help care for his brother-in-law, Ray. Bud and Wanda married June 5, 1995 and really enjoyed their time together. In 1996, they moved to Grenora, North Dakota and rented until the purchase of their home in 2001.
Wanda had a deep love for her Grenora community and took part in everything it had to offer. She was the Accompanist and an active member of the church. She was the President of Today’s Women and participated in the great Pie Auction that is held every year. She took great joy in spending time with her neighbors and her “extended” Grenora family. She had a standing date every year to watch the Mrs. America Pageant with her good friend Barb. Wanda loved to cook and was great at it. Her and sister Marla had a date to make Lefsa and Krumkake every year as well. She loved hanging out with her grandkids, nieces, and nephews, always teaching them something about music or showing them how to bake.
Wanda is survived by sister Marla Malley; and two brother’s Kevin (Mary) Johnston, and Lowell Johnston; son, Jack Rasmussen, grandsons, Brandon and Tyson; daughter, Denise (Tom) Kane, and grandchildren, Paula (Jon) Syring and Cassidy and Shaylee, Lindsay (Eric) Woodin and Myiah, Alex and Eleanor, Tanner (Chris) Scheigert and Madison and Elizabeth; son, Wade (Connie) Rasmussen and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Lloyd “Bud” Rasmussen; mother and father Emma and Frank Johnston; and sisters, Brenda Johnston, Charla Johnston, and Carla (Johnston) Ferris.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. (CST) at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Grenora, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Sandi Kohones says
We are so sorry for the loss of your sister and aunt. Prayers that your memories will comfort you during this sad time.
Hoff Family says
An earthly angel has now received her heavenly wings and halo.
Wanda will be truly missed by so many in the Grenora and Dagmar communities. With her ever present jolliness, genuine thoughtfulness, compassion for others, community spirit, loyalty, and friendship, she will long be remembered and sincerely missed. She leaves an enormous void in so many hearts and community endeavors.
In sorrow, we rejoice that she and Bud are reunited, singing and playing favorite songs, and having a jolly good time.
Becky Elliott says
So sorry for loss. Wanda was such a beautiful lady.
Peggy Dorothy Smotherman says
Marla and all family and friends of Wanda I send my condolences to you on your loss. I’m praying for you to find peace and comfort in God’s promise.
Elaine Lambert says
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to all of Wanda’s family. Death is the hardest thing we have to deal with in life. I know my words can’t change anything and can do little to ease the pain you are feeling, so I pray that the God of comfort calm your hearts and help you heal. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17) One way that God comforts us today is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. For the Bible’s answers to questions about grief and death please visit JW.org.
MARGO HELLICKSON says
Marla and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Wanda was a dear and wonderful human being..she has earned her wings…God bless this sweet lady
Wanda Linnell Riclen says
Sorry for the loss of your sister. It’s not good-bye but until you meet again.
God Bless
Jack & Sandy O'Brien says
Dear Kevin, Lowell, Marla, Extended Family & Friends, Our most sincere sympathy at Wanda’s passing. She was a lovely woman, with a heart of gold. May good memories sustain you, during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts & prayers. May Wanda R.I.P. & be reunited with those who have passed before her. This is not good-bye but until we meet, again.
Nancy Torgrimson Gerch says
Such sad news. My prayers and condolences to Wanda’s extended family.
Rosa Esteves Nerbonne says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Wanda at the nursing home in Miles City. She was a great teacher, mentor and friend. She will be missed.